Book Description

In this volume the preacher moves step by step through the massive reasoning of the Apostle Paul on atonement and justification, yet the detail of the exposition does not stand in the way of a clear view of the whole, and the reader is constantly shown how every section fits in the theme of God’s complete plan of salvation.

Statement on main theme, justification – ungodliness and unrighteousness – God’s wrath on Jews and Gentiles – every mouth stopped – the function of the Law

2

The Great Turning Point – ‘But Now’

23

The only way of salvation – ‘but now’ in our experience and in history­ – analysis of verses 21-31 – the gospel of God – the Old Testament preparation

3

More Than Forgiveness

39

The vital historic event of Christ’s coming – a positive righteousness – not by lawkeeping, but by faith – earned by Christ – the universal need

4

By Free Grace Alone

54

The centrality of justification – free grace – the ransom price and the slavery of sin – taught by Christ and the other apostles also

5

Propitiation

65

The essential doctrine of the atonement – the meaning of ‘propitiation’ ­modern translations and denials of this – ‘wrath’, the vital issue – deliverance provided by the offended party

6

The Blood of Jesus Christ

81

Another essential word – hated and misunderstood – true and false interpreta­tions – the sacrificial death – the substitute – the new covenant

7

The Vindication of God

95

The reconciliation of eternal love and eternal justice – remission and preter­mission – previous forbearance – sin actually seen to be punished – the cross declaring God’s love and justice

8

Boasting Excluded

109

Necessity for argument, especially polemic – first deduction from the gospel ­boasting is excluded – faith not a work – Paul and James

9

Distinctions Abolished

126

Second deduction – no difference between Jews and Gentiles in the way of salvation – ‘by’ and ‘through’ – no compromise with other religions – the gospel the only basis of fellowship

10

The Law Established

139

Third deduction – meaning of ‘law’ – erroneous views rejected , seven ways in which the gospel, especially the cross, honours the law. Conclusion of Chapter three – reasons for modern rejection of this teaching

11

Abraham Justified – Faith

154

Objection concerning the case of Abraham – one covenant of grace in all ages – Abraham could not boast – exposition of Genesis 11:16 – meaning of ‘faith’ and ‘impute’